Recently, Harden's contract extension has caused heated discussion, and after today's game, perhaps people's suspicions will be even deeper. Today, the 76ers, who are in desperate need of improving their rankings, lost to the Pistons 94-102 on the road, while Harden's performance of 4 of 15 and 9-of-2 three points was shaking. Will the 76ers still want to give Harden a new five-year, $270 million contract?
Today,the 76ers lost to the Pistons, Embiid's performance was very efficient, 11 of 19 of 19 with 37 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks. Harden became the "culprit", he shot only 4 of 15 shots, including 2 of 9 three-pointers, 8 of 9 from the free throw line, and had 18 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals. In the second half, Harden shot only 1 of 8. Undoubtedly, Harden is back on the pot again.
Even coach Rivers was rude after the game. The 76ers bench scored only 8 points, and when it came to this after the game, Rivers directly said that the benches did not get many shooting opportunities at all, because during that time, it was more Harden who played.
After losing the game, the 76ers suffered a three-game losing streak. In those three games, Harden also shot just 2 of 11 in the game against the Suns on March 28. After joining the 76ers, Harden played in 16 games, with the 76ers winning 10 and losing 6. But in addition to their recent three-game losing streak, the 76ers have lost in important games, especially against the Nets and Nuggets. This also made the Philadelphia fans who had previously welcomed Harden with open arms a little suspicious.
Just yesterday, according to Sports Illustrated reporter Chris Mannix, Harden, who is a player option for the 2022-23 season, is eligible to renew his contract early this summer, and he is expected to get a five-year, 270 million maximum salary contract, but the 76ers are cautious about this, and this concern seems "reasonable" to the outside world. 76 fear the contract will become a garbage contract. Harden's signs of decline are clear, and if he still can't play a good performance in this year's playoffs, people have to ask: "When will he really start to decline?" ”
By August, Harden will be 33 years old, and if he is offered a 5-year contract, even if he can add a player option, harden will be 37 years old when he can jump out of the contract the next time. The next few years, at the peak of Embiid's career, were undoubtedly unwilling to waste. But by giving Harden a 5-year contract, they're locking up pay space.
Will the 76ers renew Harden's contract? (Supine Braces/Hairy)